Chalav Yisroel
Question
Dear Rabbi, If chalav yisroel is a farce, as you have stated numerous times, isn't it counterproductive for a talmid chacham to observe it, since this will mislead the masses into believing it is a real concept. Secondly, why is it OK to act in a way that openly contradicts one's pesak, why is this not chanifa or hypocrisy G-D forbid? Lastly, do you mean perhaps to suggest, as Rav Moshe does in the conclusion of his teshuvot on chalav stam, that there might be a reason - halachically speaking - for observing chalav yisroel?
Answer
Answered by Aaron AbadiThe Gemara has many cases of "Adam Chashuv Shaani." It is not saying to make believe, but rather not to do something that is normally construed as a sin. It's very complicated as to when & where to apply it. Only an Adam Chashuv needs to deal with that decision. You and I can live normally. Rav Moshe got so much aggravation from his allowing milk, that he wrote certain statements to seem like it was a viable Chumra. It was similar to the silk-screen riots. Ask around the people that remember those days and you'll find out the truth. I'd be shocked if Rav Moshe felt there was any validity at all. It's so clear. Just open the Gemara, and the Shulchan Aruch. Only blind people can miss this. AA